“The essays here tackle questions
of existence, morality, religion, race, family, gender, economics, government
and citizenship—nearly every topic of human concern—and reflect a range of
viewpoints, writing styles and rhetorical strategies. Each one either directly
or indirectly raises a question to be explored .... They sit very comfortably
in the tradition of philosophy as a practical tool for the navigation of life,
and hence, in this case, under the heading of Modern Ethics. The key components
of the essays—clarity, brevity, integrity and jargon-free language—have been at
the editorial core of The Stone since its founding. At their best, these works
are useful not only for general readers looking to get beneath the surface of
an issue but also for the student or teacher aiming to bring the practices of
philosophy and writing together in the project of public engagement. We hope
they can and will be read in philosophy courses and seminars, but also at
kitchen tables and cafes, in libraries and airports, on road trips and summer
vacations.”

—Peter Catapano, From the preface

“Nietzsche might not have claimed
believed that journalists ‘vomit their bile and call it a newspaper’ if he had
ever read ‘The Stone,’ The New York Times column devoted to philosophy. .
. . Ideal for unfolding distinctly modern perspectives. . . . Journalism has
rarely opened wider intellectual horizons.”

— Bryce Christensen, Booklist

Description:

A necessary companion to the
acclaimed Stone Reader, Modern Ethics in 77 Arguments is a landmark
collection for contemporary ethical thought.

Since 2010, The Stone—the
immensely popular, award-winning philosophy series in The New York Times—has
revived and reinterpreted age-old inquires to speak to our modern condition.
This new collection of essays from the series does for modern ethics what The
Stone Reader did for modern philosophy. New York Times editor Peter
Catapano and best-selling author and philosopher Simon Critchley have curated
an unparalleled collection that illuminates just how imperative ethical
thinking is in our day-to-day life.

Like its predecessor, Modern
Ethics in 77 Arguments explores long-standing ethical and moral issues in
light of our most urgent dilemmas. Divided into twelve sections, the book opens
with a series of broad arguments on existence, human nature and morality.
Indeed, “big” questions of the human condition are explored by some of our
best-known and most accomplished living philosophers: What is the meaning of
our existence? Should we really “do what we love”? How should we respond to
evil? Is pure altruism possible?

Along with these examinations of
timeless moral conundrums, readers will find arguments in the more contentious
areas of religion and government: Can we have a moral life without God? Does
it really matter if God exists? Is patriotism moral? Accessible and
provocative, these pieces expose the persistence of the most basic themes and
questions of moral and ethical life. Many of the essays stress the crucial
importance of directly engaging the most pressing moral dilemmas in modern
life. Should we be the last generation, knowing all the harm we’ve done to
our planet? Should we embrace our inner carnivores, or swear off all
animal products? From gun control and drone warfare to the morals of
marriage and reproduction, readers will view familiar debates in new,
surprising lights.

The editors have meticulously
arranged this book to reflect a wide range of perspectives, voices and
rhetorical strategies. By directly addressing some of the most complex and troubling
issues we face today—racial discrimination, economic inequality, immigration,
citizenship and more—the volume reveals the profound power of ethics in shaping
our perceptions of nearly every aspect of our lives.

A jargon-free, insightful
compendium, Modern Ethics in 77 Arguments offers a panoramic view of
morality and is a critical addition to The Stone Reader that will
energize and enliven the world of ethical thought in both the classroom and
everyday American life.

Including…

The Meaningfulness of Lives by Todd May * A Life Beyond “Do What You Love” by Gordon
Marino * Evolution and our Inner Conflict by Edward O. Wilson * Morals
Without God? by Frans de Waal * Does It Matter Whether God Exists?
by Gary Gutting * The Moral Hazard of Drones by John Kaag and Sarah
Kreps * Can Refugees Have Human Rights? by Omri Boehm * Dear White
America by George Yancy * Girlfriend, Mother, Professor? by Carol
Hay * The End of “Marriage” by Laurie Shrage * When Vegans Won’t
Compromise by Bob Fischer and James McWilliams * Should This Be the Last
Generation? by Peter Singer

Contents:

Preface by Peter Catapano

ON EXISTENCE
The Meaningfulness of Lives — Todd May • There Is No Theory of
Everything— Simon Critchley • The Light at the End of Suffering
— Peg O’Connor • Being There: Heidegger on Why Our Presence Matters —
Lawrence Berger • Against Invulnerability — Todd May • Why Life Is
Absurd— Rivka Weinberg • A Life Beyond “Do What You Love” — Gordon
Marino

ON CITIZENSHIP
The Morality of Migration — Seyla Benhabib • What Do We Owe Each Other?
— Aaron James Wendland • Can Refugees Have Human Rights? — Omri Boehm • Dependents of the State — Amia Srinivasan • Is
Voting Out of Self-Interest Wrong? — Gary Gutting

ON THE FUTURE
Is Humanity Getting Better? — Leif Wenar • Should This Be the Last
Generation? — Peter Singer • What Do We Owe the Future? — PatriciaVieira and Michael Marder • The
Importance of the Afterlife. Seriously. — Samuel Scheffler • Accepting
the Past, Facing the Future — Todd May

Acknowledgments

Contributors

About the Editors:

Peter Catapano has been an opinion editor at The New York Times since 2005
where he has developed and edited several online series, including The Stone,
Home Fires, and Disability. He was recognized for his work in pioneering blogs
and series for The New York Times with a Publisher’s Award in 2008.

Simon Critchley is a best-selling author and the Hans Jonas Professor at the New
School for Social Research. His books include Very Little…Almost Nothing,
Infinitely Demanding, The Book of Dead Philosophers, The Faith of the
Faithless, Bowie, Memory Theatre and Suicide.

Target Audience:

People interested in Philosophy
and Ethics.

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